In 2024, Lebanon entered the fifth year of a crippling economic crisis that has decimated the value of the Lebanese lira, crippled its medical and education systems, and limited the state provision of essential public services- such as electricity, which is not available for more than a few hours a day by state provision. While all those living in Lebanon feel the effects of these dire circumstances, those from marginalized communities such as migrant and domestic workers, the elderly, children, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities or poor health, etc. have been disproportionately affected. To add fuel to the fire, the already dire refugee situation in Lebanon has been exasperated by one national crisis after another from the Beirut Blast of August 4, 2020 to the COVID-19 Pandemic to government collapse and finally the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese Pound (LBP). There have been many effects, among the most dire is the migration of the highly educated Lebanese citizenry from Lebanon to third countries. The substantial brain drain from Lebanon is likely to have a significant impact on the country's future for generations to come. The Fragility of the Lebanese State explores the causes and potential solutions of this crisis.

About the Author

Dr. Natalie Ann Ghosn, Esq. is an attorney with the Florida Bar and teaches law, justice and politics at Acadia University.

Hanna Samir Kassab, PhD is an assistant professor of political science at East Carolina University. His most recent work is Geographically Small but Not Weak: Comparing the National Security Policies of Israel and Singapore.

Reviews

Compelling in light of the urgency of the problems engaged, Dr. Natalie Ann Ghosn, Hanna Samir Kassab, and their contributors have fashioned a book that draws the reader close to Lebanon's trials. The theme of fragility in its varied expressions is given vivid expression across a range of academic disciplines. Offering a depth of detail on Lebanon, The Fragility of the Lebanese State also provides ways for us to consider the sources and characteristics of disorder in the wider Middle Eastern and international contexts.

Dr. Bradford McGuinn

-- Bradford McGuinn



Book Information
ISBN 9781666968842
Author Natalie Ann Ghosn
Format Hardback
Page Count 202
Imprint Lexington Books/Fortress Academic
Publisher Lexington Books
Weight(grams) 485g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 159mm * 21mm